Temperatures start off cool Saturday, but warm up over weekend

Today it will start off cold in the morning and then it'll warm up quickly. Highs in the upper 60s and low 70s under mostly sunny skies. Light winds out of the west.

Sunday expect partly-mostly cloudy, mild with highs in the mid to upper 70s.

Monday and Tuesday there will be partly sunny skies with isolated chance for rainfall possible. Highs in the upper 70s.

Wednesday it'll be cooler and windy with a few showers possible. Highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Partly sunny skies.

Thursday, cool and windy with highs in the mid to upper 60s. Mostly sunny skies.

Rain chances are slim today, the National Weather Service in Melbourne reports.

Sunrise today is at 7:09 a.m. and sunset is at 5:57 p.m.

ADVISORIES

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current impact warning for our area. A small easterly swell will continue to impact the beaches leading to a moderate rip current risk. If venturing into the chilly surf, do so only near a lifeguard, advises the agency.

COMING UP

Overnight lows around 48 are predicted through Saturday night. Highs are to be 70 on Saturday and 72 on Sunday. Then another front is forecast to move in, creating a brief interlude in the cool weather, said Chief Meterologist John Pendergrast.

Monday's high could climb to 78. Then temperatures should fall back to 70 on Tuesday and probably Wednesday, he said.

Meteorologists attribute the sustained cold, which started at the first of the month, largely to a dip in the Jet Stream in the upper atmosphere. That is allowing cold northern air to move into the middle and eastern United States.

This week's cold is similar to last week's and so far the only damage appears to be to the most tender plants, such as tropical species.

St. Lucie County agricultural extension service agents say that crops, including citrus, are doing well.

3-DAY EXTENDED FORECAST

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.